13.11.2002, 21:12
Aside from the commentary, the audio is as per Just Bring It, with some minor improvements in the quality of the jangling electro-metal that accompanies every match. The music fills me with less desire to burn things than before, which I guess is a compliment of sorts. The effects library hasn't changed a great deal, but that's one aspect of the game that never needed to -- it's solid, if somewhat limited. Wrestler-specific effects would be great (digitized grunts, reactions, and the like), but that's hardly priority one.
Closing Comments
As always, I would rather be playing Fire Pro. Also as always, you could do far worse than SmackDown!, given that it's the only game in town. It still has some nagging problems, and the graphics need an overhaul that I fear may never come, but this is the first time there hasn't been an obvious, glaring problem with the series' gameplay, which is cause for some kind of celebration.
Multi-console gamers are advised to wait a little while until RAW throws its hat in the ring, just to be on the safe side. Heck, the open-minded might even want to give Def Jam Wrestling a go. Die-hard devotees of the WWE shouldn't have too many complaints with the latest SmackDown!, though, especially since they can rest secure in the knowledge that they don't ever have to listen to Michael Cole again.
-- David Smith
Presentation
Season Mode has received some major improvements, although the dialogue still needs work. Load times in general are substantially improved.
8.0
Graphics
The animation is generally great, and the arena modeling is sharp, but these character models need an overhaul.
6.0
Sound
The music still ain't much, but at least the commentators know when to shut up, and
6.0
Gameplay
SmackDown!'s grappling system remains solid, if limited. The mode selection is still huge, create-a-wrestler is excellent, and Season Mode finally works.
8.0
Lasting Appeal
Wrestling fans have more than enough to occupy their time here, and Season Mode in particular gives the game single-player legs.
8.5
OVERALL SCORE (not an average)
8.2
©
Closing Comments
As always, I would rather be playing Fire Pro. Also as always, you could do far worse than SmackDown!, given that it's the only game in town. It still has some nagging problems, and the graphics need an overhaul that I fear may never come, but this is the first time there hasn't been an obvious, glaring problem with the series' gameplay, which is cause for some kind of celebration.
Multi-console gamers are advised to wait a little while until RAW throws its hat in the ring, just to be on the safe side. Heck, the open-minded might even want to give Def Jam Wrestling a go. Die-hard devotees of the WWE shouldn't have too many complaints with the latest SmackDown!, though, especially since they can rest secure in the knowledge that they don't ever have to listen to Michael Cole again.
-- David Smith
Presentation
Season Mode has received some major improvements, although the dialogue still needs work. Load times in general are substantially improved.
8.0
Graphics
The animation is generally great, and the arena modeling is sharp, but these character models need an overhaul.
6.0
Sound
The music still ain't much, but at least the commentators know when to shut up, and
6.0
Gameplay
SmackDown!'s grappling system remains solid, if limited. The mode selection is still huge, create-a-wrestler is excellent, and Season Mode finally works.
8.0
Lasting Appeal
Wrestling fans have more than enough to occupy their time here, and Season Mode in particular gives the game single-player legs.
8.5
OVERALL SCORE (not an average)
8.2
©